Standing Committees

Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects (IRB)

The UTSA Institutional Review Board (IRB) is the university committee that reviews and approves human subject research for the purpose of protecting the rights and welfare of those subjects. The Board is charged with the responsibility to formulate and implement procedures to assure the University's compliance with federal, state and institutional regulations for the safeguarding of the welfare and well-being (physical, mental, social, legal, etc.) of human subjects involved in research projects in which UTSA is engaged or for which UTSA otherwise exercises oversight.

UTSA is committed to the principles of the Belmont Report. These principles consist of respect for persons, beneficence and justice. These principles guide the review of research with human subjects at UTSA.

The UTSA IRB operates under a Federalwide Assurance (FWA) with the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) under the Department of Health and Human Services. Membership on the IRB is composed of 9 members including at least one non-scientist and at least one individual who is not otherwise affiliated with the UTSA. Membership includes individuals with varying backgrounds to promote complete and adequate review of research activities commonly conducted by the institution. The membership is comprised of individuals representing diversity of race, gender, and cultural backgrounds so as to promote consideration of local community attitudes.

The IRB advises and educates researchers, staff and students on research with human subjects and promotes best practices for the ethical conduct of research with these individuals.